Brooke Hogan may have had a complicated relationship with her father, WWE legend Hulk Hogan, but that didn’t stop her from honoring him in one of the most emotional ways possible — by giving her daughter his name.
Sources close to the Hogan family tell TMZ that Brooke, 36, who quietly gave birth to twins in January 2025, paid tribute to her late dad by naming one of her babies after him. Her daughter’s full name? Molly Gene Oleksy — with “Gene” being the wrestling icon’s middle name.
“Gene” for the Legend: A Symbol of Love Beyond the Pain
The move came as a surprise to fans, considering that Brooke and Hulk — born Terry Gene Bollea — were estranged at the time of his death. Their relationship had been on rocky ground for years, reportedly due to unresolved tensions over Hulk’s behavior and treatment of Brooke during key moments in her adult life.
Yet even through the turmoil, insiders say Brooke never stopped being a “daddy’s girl” at heart.
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“She wanted her daughter to carry a piece of her father with her forever,” a source revealed. “Despite everything, Hulk was a massive part of her life.”
Moving to Florida… But Missing Their Moment
Brooke and her husband, former NHL player Steven Oleksy, made a huge life change before the twins arrived — they relocated to Florida, reportedly with hopes of repairing the broken bond and being closer to Hulk during his declining health.
However, reconciliation never fully materialized.
The emotional wedge between father and daughter proved difficult to overcome, even with their geographic closeness. Still, sources close to Brooke say she was grateful for their final phone call — a conversation in September 2023, which she now holds close to her heart.
A Final Goodbye That Brought Peace
Just weeks ago, on July 25, 2025, the world learned that Hulk Hogan had passed away after suffering cardiac arrest. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling and pop culture communities.
For Brooke, it was an especially tough day.
“She prayed for her dad,” one insider told us. “It hurts, but she’s at peace knowing he’s no longer in pain.”
Though their last chapter together was marked by distance, Brooke found comfort in the knowledge that her final words to him were words of love.
A Legacy That Lives On Through Molly Gene
Now, with her growing family, Brooke is embracing motherhood while carrying her father’s legacy into the future — literally.
Her daughter, Molly Gene, is a living tribute to the man the world knew as Hulk Hogan — a name synonymous with larger-than-life fame, controversy, and charisma.
Despite all the drama over the years, Brooke’s decision shows a profound emotional maturity and willingness to remember the good, even when it was tangled with the bad.
Fans React: “This Is So Beautiful”
Social media exploded with emotion once fans noticed the name reveal on Brooke’s Instagram (@mizzhogan), where she’s been sharing tender snapshots of life as a new mom.
“She named her baby after Hulk? I’m sobbing,” one fan wrote.
“This just shows how deep the love goes, no matter what,” another commented.
The name “Gene” quickly started trending in fan communities — a nod not only to Hulk’s memory, but also to the healing power of time and love.
Brooke Hogan’s New Chapter: Twins, Healing, and a Quiet Life
Now a mom of twins, Brooke is focusing on her family, privacy, and building a life away from the public drama that once dominated the Hogan family narrative.
It’s unclear what’s next for her professionally — whether she’ll return to TV or music — but fans are rooting for her now more than ever.
“Seeing her honor her dad like that shows she has such a big heart,” a longtime fan told TPR. “It brings back memories of Hogan Knows Best — but in a full-circle way.”
Hulk Hogan’s Legacy: More Than Just a Wrestling Legend
Though Hulk’s later years were marked by controversies and strained relationships, his impact on pop culture remains undeniable. From the golden age of the WWF to reality TV fame, he was a household name whose influence touched millions — especially his daughter.
Now, a new generation carries that name forward.
💬 What Do You Think?
Do you think Brooke made the right choice by honoring her father this way?
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!
And don’t forget — stay tuned to The Pop Radar (TPR) for more exclusive updates on Brooke Hogan, celebrity baby news, and legacy moments that have the internet talking.
